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HeatShield, long popular in the United States, is now stocked in the UK by:

ClimaTech Safety
Normanby Gateway, Lysaghts Way
Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 9YG
T: 01724 275000 (ask for Sue Baker)
F: 01724 275285
E: info@climatechsafety.co.uk

Why use HeatShield? If you work in hot conditions you have to take breaks; and productivity suffers; and performance suffers; and even your health might suffer. But thanks to ClimaTech's patented technology, there's a great way to stay cool and comfortable on virtually any job, no matter how hot. So why not test it yourself with a 30 day risk-free trial? A HeatShield 2 cooling vest comes complete with one set of cooling inserts
Purchase now from our online shop Check conditions of risk-free trial

Frequently asked questions
What is HeatShield? A HeatShield cool vest has multiple pockets of coolant carefully constructed inside a comfortable hydophobic quilted liner. When charged (ie frozen) the vest can be worn on its own (we recommend over a T-shirt or similar) or under protective clothing and will keep the wearer comfortable, productive and fully mobile in a hot environment.

How is it used? HeatShield is very easy to use. Charge it in a freezer until the cooling cells are hard; wear it whilst it is still cold; recharge it and use again. The HeatShield vest contains many separate sealed cells of a patented synthetic coolant that solidifies when placed in a freezer (3 to 4 hours in a commercial version; 5 to 6 hours in a domestic one). The sealed cells are configured in four inserts which may be taken out and replaced with fresh frozen ones. Indeed it is possible to freeze the inserts separately from the vest to save space and many people chose to have one or more sets of spare cells to hand. The vest is designed so that, even when solid, it is quite flexible and comfortable to move around in. Click here for more information.

How many cooling inserts should be used? The vest comes with four. Two at the front and two at the back. Additional inserts (in sets of four) can be purchased. Because of the design of the velcro fitting of the inserts it is possible to use eight or even twelve for extended power. Obviously there is a weight penalty when using the extra inserts so it is a personal decision whether the extra cooling benefit is justified by the extra weight.

In what situations is it used? In particular it is used where other methods such as air conditioning or clothing linked to a static air line are just not possible. Personnel working in personal protective equipment ("PPE") soon get overheated even in otherwise acceptable ambient temperatures; when they have to face higher external temperatures as well (eg fire fighters, welders) their safe exposure time can be much reduced. And this is where HeatShield scores. But you don't have to be wearing protective clothing to get overheated; those whose job takes them into confined attic spaces in summer months (eg electricians, air conditioning engineers) soon face discomfort that can be banished with a HeatShield vest. And many who suffer from multiple sclerosis find that they have increased fatigue which can be relieved by a few hours controlling their core body temperature; HeatShield, which is so easy to put on, provides the opportunity for them to be both mobile and comfortable.

Who uses HeatShield? A wide range of people already benefit from HeatShield - emergency response teams, foundry workers, welders, nuclear plant engineers, electricians, footballers, motor sport support crews, soldiers, chemical plant operatives, fire fighters, chefs, multiple sclerosis sufferers, air conditioning engineers, body shop, paint shop and warehouse workers - in fact anyone who needs to be mobile in hot working conditions or wearing protective clothing. We have also had skiers who train in the summer, international rifle competitors, racing drivers and police helicopter pilots. In fact we never cease to be surprised by how our customers use HeatShield.

How long is HeatShield effective? Well, that does depend on many factors including the workload of the person concerned and the particular individual circumstances. But HeatShield has been tested to maintain a comfortable temperature for approximately three and a half hours in 43 °C (110 °F) conditions. So the benefit is both real and sustained.

How should HeatShield be cleaned? Hand wash in mild detergent. Drip dry.

In what colours is HeatShield available? HeatShield 2 is currently available in navy blue. There are no plans for other colours although the original HeatShield version was made in tan as well.

In what sizes is HeatShield available? HeatShield 2 is available in one size that is fully adjustable. We believe that this should fit all but the largest and smallest of UK adults. The vests are generally not suitable for children. The original HeatShield vests were available in a variety of sizes but only a few of the very largest sizes of these original vests now remain.

Is it just useful when someone is working in a hot environment? HeatShield does not only produce benefits while you are getting overheated. For anyone in recovery mode (or "rehab" as it is sometimes called) a quick acting cool vest such as HeatShield can work wonders. This particularly applies to sports teams (eg footballers at half time, rowers after a race, track athletes who compete in hot countries) but could equally apply to anyone who is just too hot - for whatever reason.

How do I know that the vests will work in my situation? Everyone's needs are special and obviously we cannot guarantee that a HeatShield cooling vest will meet every need. But have a look at customers who have used one of our vests successfully and do talk to us about your particular need. We will try to give a straighforward and honest assessment so that you can make a sensible judgement. It may be that a test is the only way to find out.

Can I have a free trial? What we offer is a "risk-free trial" which is not the same thing as a "free trial". For a fuller explanation of what we offer (and why) please go to Check conditions of risk-free offer.

Do you deliver outside the UK? We don't actually deliver outside the UK ourselves but we can probably put you in touch with someone who does supply in your country. The best way for us to help you would be if you could email us with your details. Alternatively if you are interested in being a distributor in a particular country where there may not be one already please also get in touch and we might be able to help you.

Do I need to pay VAT if I am buying personally? Yes you do unless some quite strict conditions are met. These conditions are: (a) you must be suffering from a long term medical condition which gives you a disability, (b) you must be purchasing a HeatShield vest personally for your personal use, (c) the vest must be intended to give relief for that disability and (d) you must sign and return a declaration to that effect with your order. It is not possible to purchase without VAT from our online shop and neither is it possible to make a declaration after we have invoiced you. So if you feel that you are eligible for VAT relief it is probably best to print off the declaration form and mail it to us with a personal cheque. Alternatively you can telephone or email us for a form.

What should I do if I am not satisfied? We do our best to make sure that all of our customers are happy with our products and service 100% of the time. If there is anything that you are not completely happy with please call us on the telephone number above.

© ClimaTech Safety
Updated 24 July 2006